Piracy in the Mediterranean: Outrage as Israel hijacks global Sumud humanitarian fleet
The largest European maritime convoy in support of Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli military 75 miles off the coast before reaching the shores of the enclave—an action that has sparked global denunciations and widespread protests across Europe.
The Israeli navy’s seizure of several ships belonging to the humanitarian “Global Sumud” fleet in international waters has triggered harsh international reactions and a wave of popular protests throughout Europe. The operation began last night and continued into the early hours of today.
The fleet, aiming to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver food and medicine to its residents, included more than 50 boats and 500 activists, politicians, and volunteers from 44 countries worldwide. Among the passengers were Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and Ada Colau.
According to reports, the seizure began on the evening of October 1, when several main vessels were located 75 miles off Gaza in international waters. Activists said Israeli warships approached the fleet with their identification systems switched off, disrupted communications, and then deployed special forces who stormed the ships using water cannons and chemical irritants. At least 12 activists, including Thunberg, were arrested and transferred to Ashdod port. Organizers described the operation as “mass kidnapping” and “piracy.”
This incident marks the third seizure of similar convoys by Israel this year. The UN, the European Union, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch condemned the action and called for an immediate investigation. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, described the seizure as “a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and part of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
Latest Situation of the Sumud Fleet
Data from the Sumud Fleet indicates that the Israeli navy has seized 39 out of 44 boats that were heading toward Gaza to break the blockade.
First Sumud Fleet Ship reaches Gaza waters
Despite the Israeli assault, one of the fleet’s ships, the Micono al-Bireh, managed to reach Gaza’s territorial waters. Hassan Massoud, an Al Jazeera journalist accompanying the Global Sumud fleet, confirmed that the vessel had entered Gaza’s maritime zone.
Detained Sumud activists headed to Ashdod
According to The Guardian, detained activists from the Global Sumud fleet, including Greta Thunberg, are expected to arrive at Ashdod port in the occupied territories within about two hours. However, this is only an estimate; the transfers are expected to continue throughout the day, as not all detainees will arrive simultaneously.
Israeli media reported that the army has so far seized more than 40 ships from the Global Sumud fleet. Hundreds of participants are being transported to Ashdod for either voluntary deportation or legal expulsion proceedings, while Israeli forces are conducting maritime inspections to ensure no vessel approaches Gaza.
Public and governmental reactions
Across Europe, political and public responses have been significant. Spain summoned the Israeli chargé d’affaires, describing the action as a violation of international law.
In Italy, trade unions declared a general strike, and port workers halted arms shipments to Israel. In France, the La France Insoumise party organized mass protests, while in the UK civil groups accused the government of remaining silent over the detention of British citizens.
At the same time, thousands took to the streets in Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, and Istanbul. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, chanted against Israel, and demanded the immediate release of detainees and an end to the Gaza blockade. Large demonstrations also took place in front of the US embassy in Ankara in protest against the seizure of the Sumud fleet.
Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly condemned Israel’s renewed attack on the Sumud convoy and the arrest of Gaza solidarity activists. He praised the humanitarian initiative of activists and grassroots groups from various countries and described Israel’s action as a “clear violation of international law and an act of terrorism.”
Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry also stated that any intervention against the Sumud fleet must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality, while ensuring the safety of participants.
Ireland’s foreign minister stressed that Israel’s seizure of the Sumud fleet is deeply concerning and that all passengers must be treated in accordance with international law.
The Tunisian Journalists’ Union issued a statement condemning the Israeli attack on the Sumud fleet and holding the international community responsible for the safety of journalists. It voiced concern over the loss of contact with Al Jazeera journalist Lotfi Hajji and cameraman Anis al-Abbasi, stating that the arrest of journalists while performing their duties constitutes a clear violation of international law and a crime against humanity.
Pakistan’s prime minister condemned Israel’s assault on the Global Sumud fleet and the arrest of its passengers as “cowardly,” calling for their immediate release and emphasizing that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry likewise denounced the Israeli navy’s action against the Sumud fleet as “an act of terrorism,” stressing that the assault endangered civilians and represented a blatant breach of international law.